Syringa Vulgaris ~For the Love of Lilacs~

The smell of moist earth and lilacs hung in the air like wisps of the past and hints of the future. ~Margaret Millar

I made wine from the Lilac tree. Put my heart in the recipe. It makes me see what I want to see. And be what I want to be. ~ Nina Simone

Mother Nature is a healer, and one of her most powerful gifts comes in the form of flowers. For me, there is nothing quite like the sight and sweet scent of Lilacs on the breeze. Their fragrance is instantly calming, soothing and fills me with joy. I really can’t get enough of it right now! My space is full of fresh cut blooms and I also have blossoms drying to use in my Flora & Fauna specimen vials. (visit my lil shop to get your own!)

In Flower Therapy Lilac is a wonderful calming flower that works to combat the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is perfect for those with anxiety or depression.

Message from Lilac: “Let’s release those irritating, depressing thoughts that were constantly filling your head, and replace them with positive attitudes and feelings. You can do it, and I’m here to support you.”

Flower Therapy is based upon nature’s healing abilities, and flowers can be used to create potent healing effects.

Since the fragrance and colors of flowers extend into the energetic realm, Flower Therapy helps with metaphysical issues. It can deepen your spiritual practice and open your psychic abilities.

Lilacs are also EDIBLE! I had no idea! But am so curious now that I may just start tasting lilacs around town to find a bush that has flavours I like! And I will definitely be trying some of the recipes I have listed at the end of this post.

“…the smell of lilacs crept poignantly into the room like a remembered spring.” ~Margaret Millar

Keeping Cut Lilacs Fresh

If you want to enjoy some cut lilacs in your home, this is a trick to making them stay fresh. Because they are woody, you need to strip off the bark and bash the bottom; peel off the bark from the bottom 1-2 inches. Then smash the end with the butt of the knife or pruners. These steps are necessary to open up the woody structure enough for water to be taken up. I have never tried this technique personally, I usually just cut and place in a vase. But supposedly it works and the lilacs will stay vibrant for weeks!

The spring is fresh and fearless
And every leaf is new,
The world is brimmed with moonlight,
The lilac brimmed with dew.

Here in the moving shadows
I catch my breath and sing –
My heart is fresh and fearless
And over-brimmed with spring.

Lilac (Sci. Name: Syringa Vulgaris) is a bush/small tree with amazing protective properties and it is the reminder of life. In folk medicine lilac flowers were used to treat kidney disease and the smell is widely used in many perfumes. Although (sadly) because of the difficulty in extracting the scent molecules from lilac flowers, and because the process is very expensive, Lilac “oil” that’s available commercially is very rarely real Lilac and likely “fragrance” mixed from other ingredients, with no actual lilac in it.

Lilac’s most noticeable magical quality is that it can drive away ghosts instantly! (things that make you go hmmm…). The tree is linked with reincarnation and life and one of the secrets and wonders of Lilac is that its flowers do not fade under hot water.

You can add lilac in these rituals for extra potency.

Use Lilac in spells/rituals (magical properties):

To remove ghosts

For protection

To bring positive energy

To explore past lives

To remind yourself and others the divine gift of life

For blessing the life passage (birth and death)

That aim to bring you the pleasures of life

This is the flower you want when you are looking for a short fling. Use in spells where flirtation is desired without the goal of a long-term or serious relationships. Lilac keeps things light and uncomplicated. Spray the oil in rooms as an air freshener that will lighten the mood for party guests.

Lilacs are also known to drive away evil. Plant lilacs bush around your property to rid it of evil and to protect it from evil. Lilacs placed in the home can also help rid it of evil spirits.

Lilac Flirtation Spell (take as you will…;)

Let’s bring out the flirt in you!

Perform this spell just before a social engagement or even a date, when you want to feel particularly attractive. This is also a great spell for a couple looking to add a little spark back into their relationship.

Spell Work Supplies:

Patchouli Incense

Red Candle

Lighter

Lilac Water

Spray Bottle

Instructions

Light the incense and bring your thoughts to your purpose.

Light your red candle and feel yourself becoming more lively and attractive. See yourself surrounded by fun and flirty company, making yourself attractive yourself to those you seek.

Once you feel your energy begin to rise, pour your Lilac water into your spray bottle. Cap the bottle and hold it in your hands. Through your hands infuse the bottle with all the sexual, flirtatious, and lusty energy you can conjure.

When you feel your energy wane, place the bottle on your table and relax. Ground yourself if necessary.

Finally, spray the Lilac water over your head allowing it to sprinkle down onto you. Do this just before your date or social gathering.

Lilacs in my backyard

LILAC/LAVENDER COCONUT ICE CREAM (you’re welcome!)
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
1 cup coconut milk beverage or canned coconut milk
1 – 2 tablespoons edible lavender flowers or about 100 lilac florets (depending on how strong you want the flavor)
2 bananas, peeled, chopped and frozen
natural sweetener (maple syrup, honey, etc) to taste, if desired
INSTRUCTIONS
Add coconut milk and lavender to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir thoroughly. Let steep, covered, for 20 – 25 minutes.
Strain mixture, reserving milk and discarding lavender. Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for several hours or overnight.
Once frozen, break apart the frozen coconut milk into chunks and add to a food processor. Add the chopped frozen banana. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding additional sweeteners if desired. This will create a creamy “soft serve.” If you want harder “ice cream,” put the mixture into the freezer for 15 – 20 minutes to harden, then scoop and serve!